
Construction to Begin on Riopelle Pavilion
Construction is expected to begin this spring on the Riopelle Pavilion in Quebec City.
The pavilion will be located on the grounds of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, which is known by its French name Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ). The pavilion will house the works of reknown late Canadian artist Jean Paul Riopelle, who painted, engraved and sculpted more than 6,000 pieces of art.
“A precise [construction time frame will be established once the contract has been officially signed,” said the MNBAQ in a news release.
The project’s budget has been boosted to $84 million from $40 million, an amount found to be too low, with previously benefactors committed to provide extra cash.
“Now that the essential drawings and specifications stage has been completed, the MNBAQ has a more accurate estimate of the cost since the state of advancement of preliminary plans was only on the order of 40%,” said MNBAQ.
After reviewing three tenders, the MNBAQ has awarded the construction contract to Quebec-based general contractor Concrea, the lowest compliant bidder.
The Quebec government, which owns the museum, will inject $44 million, while the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation has agreed to increase its donation to $25 million from $20 million.
The MNBAQ’s foundation, which had pledged to complete the financial package is boosting its contribution to $10 million.